Poor health outcomes for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are apparent when comparing their health indicators against the rest of the U.S.
population.

The Disability and Health Program (DHP) is funded by a three-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goals of the program are to include Floridians of all ages with disabilities in all of the Department
of Health's programs and activities for health promotion, disease prevention, wellness, and disaster preparedness.

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Influenza or 'flu' is a viral respiratory illness, mainly spread by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze
or talk. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection are hospitalization or death. Florida is currently experiencing a moderately severe influenza season. The best way to protect yourself from flu
is to get vaccinated, practice good hand washing hygiene, and stay home/keep children home when sick. To find a vaccine, please visit
www.floridahealth.gov/findaflushot.

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TALLAHASSEE—April 1 is National Walking Day and the Florida Department of Health is encouraging all Floridians to consider making walking a regular part of their exercise routine. Walking is a low-risk, easy-to-start exercise that can combat obesity, reduce risk of disease and improve overall health.

“Many Floridians spend the bulk of their time at work and while many jobs aren’t physically strenuous, remaining sedentary can still take a toll on our bodies,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John H. Armstrong. “I encourage all Floridians to incorporate walking into their everyday routines and enjoy the benefits of this simple exercise.”

The American Heart Association (AHA) advocates that adults get 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than half of all adults participate in the recommended amount. Research shows that walking at least 30 minutes a day has numerous health benefits and can help:

Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke;

Improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels and blood lipid profile;

Maintain your body weight and lower the risk of obesity; and

Enhance your mental well-being.

To begin walking today, all that is needed are comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. To ensure safety when walking, AHA recommends that you stretch for at least five minutes before walking, walk on sidewalks, know the area in which you are walking and, if possible, walk with a partner or in groups to discourage crime.

For more walking tips, to read more about the health benefits associated with walking or to organize your own National Walking Day event, visit AHA’s website at www.heart.org.

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The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.